UV disinfecting unit

ABSTRACT

A UV disinfection unit includes a frame, a flexible envelope supported by the frame, the envelope having a reflective inner surface defining an inner volume for receiving an object to be disinfected, and a UV source for being received in the volume.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisionalapplication Ser. No. 15/623,340 filed Jun. 14, 2017, entitled “UVDISINFECTING UNIT”, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,561,750 on Feb. 18,2020, and claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/355,457, filed Jun. 28, 2016, entitled “UVCONTAINMENT UNIT”, the entire content of both of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies have demonstrated that surfaces in hospital rooms ofpatients are colonized or infected with healthcare-associated pathogensbecoming contaminated. Studies have also confirmed that manual cleaningof these contaminated fomites with chemical disinfectants is notadequate. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimatesthat one in 25 hospital patients has a health-care acquired infection(HAI) on any single day in the US., and over 10% are fatal.

Hospitals also face challenges to do an adequate job in disinfecting themultitude of fomites, such as portable medical equipment such as carts,imaging equipment, IV poles etc., used at the hospital, where it may beimpractical to deploy the UV device where the equipment is located. Inaddition, the cycle time and energy it currently takes to disinfect aroom is always a concern at healthcare facilities.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment UV disinfection unit includes a frame and aflexible envelope supported by the frame. The envelope has an innersurface defining an inner volume for receiving an object to bedisinfected. The unit also includes a UV source for being received isthe volume. In another example embodiment, the frame and envelope arecollapsible. In yet another example embodiment, the inner surface has areflectivity of at least 50%. In a further example embodiment, the innersurface has a reflectivity of at least 70%. In yet a further exampleembodiment, the inner surface has a reflectivity of at least 75%. In oneexample embodiment, the inner surface has a reflectivity of at least95%. In another example embodiment, the envelope includes a main bodyportion and an arm portion cantilevered from the main body portion, andthe main body portion and arm portion define the inner volume. In yetanother example embodiment, the arm portion includes a lower surfacehaving an opening for receiving the UV source. In a further exampleembodiment, the opening includes at least an extra weight coupled to theenvelope proximate its perimeter. In yet a further example embodiment,the UV source includes an annular depression for receiving the extraweight. In one example embodiment, the envelope includes an opening forreceiving the object to be disinfected there-through.

In another example embodiment, a UV containment envelope is flexible andcollapsible and has an inner surface defining an inner volume forreceiving an object to be disinfected. The inner surface has areflectivity of at least 50%. In a further example embodiment, the innersurface has a reflectivity of at least 70%. In yet a further exampleembodiment, the inner surface has a reflectivity of at least 75%. In oneexample embodiment, the inner surface has a reflectivity of at least95%. In another example embodiment, the envelope includes a main bodyportion and an arm portion cantilevered from the main body portion, andthe main body portion and arm portion define the inner volume. In yetanother example embodiment, the arm portion includes a lower surfacehaving an opening for receiving a UV source. In a further exampleembodiment, the opening includes at least an extra weight coupled to theenvelope proximate its perimeter. In one example embodiment, theenvelope includes an opening for receiving the object to be disinfectedthere-through.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective see-through views of the example embodiment UVDU.

FIG. 2 is blow-up view of an example embodiment material used to form anexample embodiment envelope.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another example embodiment UVDU.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example embodiment UV source.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the example embodiment UVDU shown of FIG. 3without the UV source.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the arm portion of theexample embodiment UVDU shown in FIG. 3 mated with a UV source.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An example embodiment UV Disinfecting Unit (UVDU) 10 is shown in FIG. 1.The example embodiment UVDU includes a frame 12, which is a collapsibleframe 12 which supports an envelope 14. In the shown exampleembodiments, the envelope is supported by the frame within the frame.Example embodiment frames and envelop designs as well as the coupling ofsuch envelopes to the frames are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,134,444and 7,406,978, as well as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0325,279, allthree of which are fully incorporated into this application by reference(“the incorporated patents”). The size of the frame may vary. The sizeof the envelope may vary. In an example embodiment, the thickness of theenvelope may be 3 mils or less. In the further example embodiment, theenvelope may be disposable. The envelope may have multiple openings thatmay close with various known methods, as for example described in theincorporated patents to receive a UV device 16, as for example anultraviolet C (UVC) light lamp that emits a UV light capable ofdisinfecting and/or sanitizing fomites. UVC has a wave length in therange of 100 nm to 290 nm. The size of the UV device or lamp may varyfor the size of the envelope.

The envelope may be sized to be able to receive all types fomites 18including incubators, wheelchairs, poles, and medical devices that areused to monitor patients in hospitals, as well as chairs and otherfurniture that may be used in hospital rooms. To do so, the envelope isequipped with the appropriate size opening(s). The opening may be closedwith a door that attaches to the perimeter of the opening. For example,the door opening can be a separate panel made from the same material asthe envelope and attaches to the perimeter of the opening as for examplewith a zipper or Velcro or other well-known fasteners. In other exampleembodiments, the door is a flap formed on the envelope which when foldedaway reveals the opening and which attaches at least an end of theopening using fasteners such as for example zippers or Velcro. Forexample, a front panel 17 of the envelope 14 may be a flap that foldsaway that allows for larger objects to be inserted into the envelope fordisinfection. In other example embodiments, the opening is a slit thatis formed on the envelope that may be closed using fasteners such as forexample zippers or Velcro.

Once the fomites and the UV device are within the envelope, the envelopeis closed and the UV device is turned on for the appropriate amount oftime to disinfect and/or sterilize the equipment inserted into the UVDUthrough an opening and the opening is closed.

Example embodiment envelopes are also flame resistant. An exampleembodiment envelope is flame-rated to U.S. NFPA 701 standards. Inexample embodiment, the envelope has a weight of about 28 lbs, afootprint of about 35 by 86 inches and a height of about 88 inches. Theenvelope has a door to accept fomites being in an example embodimentabout 48 by 102 inches in dimension.

In an example embodiment, the envelope has its inner surface eithercoated or covered with a material, or the entire envelope is made from amaterial, that has a desired reflectivity. A desired reflectivity in theexample embodiment is 50% or greater. In an example embodiment, thereflectivity is 70% or greater. In one example embodiment thereflectivity is 73%. In another example embodiment, the reflectivity is75%. In an example embodiment, the reflectivity is 95% or greater. Inyet another example embodiment, the reflectivity is 99%. In a furtherexample embodiment, the reflectivity is greater than 99%. Reflectivitymay be measured with well-known methods and devices, such as a spectralreflectometer. When the UV device is placed in an enclosed space, the UVlight reached only those surfaces which are direct line of slight of thelight. However, surfaces or areas which are shadowed or not in line ofsight do not get the benefits of UV irradiation. By having the envelopewalls formed from a fabric with the desired reflectivity or having theinner surfaces of the envelope covered with a reflective coating, the UVlight form the UV source is reflected to these shadowed areas viaspecular or diffuse reflection. UV reflective materials which may beused to form or coat the fabric forming the envelope include ePTFE,aluminum and magnesium. Magnesium has a reflectivity of at least 75%.Aluminum has a reflectivity of at least 73%. ePTFE made by W.L. Gore hasa reflectivity of at least 95%.

To obtain the appropriate reflectivity, in an example embodiment, thematerial forming the envelope is aluminized. An example aluminizedmaterial 30 includes an outer fabric layer 32, a heat stable adhesive 34adhering the fabric layer 32 to a first aluminum layer 36, as shown inFIG. 2. A protective film 38 is formed over the first aluminum layer 36and a second, or inner, aluminum layer 38 if formed over the protectivelayer. Fabric layer 32 defines the outer surface of the envelope whereasinner aluminum layer 38 defines the reflective inner surface of theenvelop. In an example, embodiment an appropriate aluminized fabric maybe obtained from Gentex Corporation. In another example embodiment, asappropriate fabric forming the outer layer 32 is forwarded to GentexCorporation for aluminizing. An example fabric layer 32 has a yarn sizeof 150 Dernier, a thread count in ends per square inch of 84 T, a threadcount in fillings per square inch of 48 T, a yarn weight of 130 g/sqm,and a thickness of about 0.28 mm. When coated with a coating (e.g.,layers 34, 36, 38 and 40), the coating has a weight of 35 g/sqm and athickness of about 0.025 mm.

In an example embodiment, an envelope 50 is used that has an upside downL shape as for example shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6. In other words, theenvelope has a main portion 52, as for example a rectangular of squareportion in plan view, from which extends (e.g. is cantilevered) an armportion 54, which in an example embodiment may be square or rectangularin plan view, such that an empty space 56 is defined below the armportion. In the shown example embodiment, both the main portion and thearm portion are cubic. The empty space allows a UV light source to beplaced therein. In an example embodiment, at a bottom surface 58 of thearm portion is formed an opening 60 to receive a UV light source. Anopening 57 sealable or closeable by a flap 67 provides access to theenvelope interior for placing the objects to be disinfected therein. Theopening in the shown example embodiment is formed on a front face of themain portion 52 of the envelope.

In an example embodiment, the UV light source is a device produced byXenex Disinfection Services, LLC and marketed under the name LightstrikeDisinfection Robot (herein the “robot”). LIGHTSTRIKE is a trademark ofXenex Disinfection Services, LLC. The robot 62, as shown in FIG. 4 has aUV emitting source 64, for emitting UVC light, that extends from a body66 of the robot. The source retracts into the body when not in use. Inan example embodiment, the UV emitting source includes a neck 68 and ahead 70 extending from the neck. In the example embodiment shown in FIG.4, the robot is received in the space 56 below the arm portion 54 of theenvelope. The height of the space is such when the robot is placed inthe space, the lower surface 58 of the arm portion of the envelope restsagainst an upper surface 65 the robot body 66. In this regard the neckand head are extended through the lower surface opening 60 and into theenvelope 50. To ensure that the lower surface 58 of the arm portionscontacts the robot body, and ring 59 is adhered or otherwise coupled atthe perimeter or proximate the perimeter of the opening 60 so that itsurrounds the opening 60 as for example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The ringmay be made from any type material that provides sufficient weight forcausing the perimeter of the opening 60 or the envelope portionsurrounding the perimeter opening to move toward and rest on the body ofthe robot. For example the ring may be a thick wire that is placed in apocket 61 surrounding the opening. The ring may be a one solid ring ormay be formed in parts. In other example embodiments, spaced apartweights may be placed surrounding the opening. To ensure a bettercontact or even a seal between the lower surface and the body of therobot, an annular depression 63 may be formed on the robot 62surrounding the neck 68 to receive the ring or the weight(s) surroundingthe opening, as for example shown in FIG. 6. The opening has a diameter60 sufficient to allow for penetration by the head. In an exampleembodiment the opening has a diameter just slightly larger than thediameter of the head.

In an example embodiment, the UVDU is portable and collapsible and isdeployed within minutes in any area of the healthcare facility. Aportable UV device 16 may be wheeled into the containment unit withvarious fomites. The UV device in the device may be turned on and offremotely. After the disinfection or sterilization process isaccomplished the fomites 18 and UV device 16 are removed from the UVDU.

The example embodiment UVDU is highly advantageous in being able toisolate and enclose various fomites in an easy to install, minimal setup time, easy to store, collapsible and portable, easy to clean,flame-resistant/durable envelope with a sealed enclosure and therebyquickly disinfecting them with the portable UV device. The exampleembodiment UVDU reduces cycle time and increases the “kill rate.”

Example embodiment UVDUs are highly advantageous to be able to isolateand enclose various fomites. Example embodiment UVDUs are easy toinstall, easy to store, collapsible and portable, easy to clean, andhave a flame-resistant durable envelope sealed enclosure.

Testing with the example embodiment envelopes and example embodiment UVsources saw over 99%, as for example over 99.9%, elimination of C, diff,MRSA, CRE, VER and other MDROs.

While example embodiment disinfection units have been described withbeing used with collapsible frame, in other example embodiments anyexample envelope may be mounted on a fixed frame that is not collapsibleand may or may not be portable.

Although a few example embodiments have been described in detail above,those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modificationsare possible in the example embodiments without materially departingfrom this invention. The embodiments described herein are not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the exactforms disclosed. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the followingclaims. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of the claims herein,except for those in which the claim expressly uses the words ‘means for’together with an associated function.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A UV disinfection unit comprising: a collapsible frame; a flexible collapsible fabric envelope supported by the frame, said envelope having an inner surface formed from a fabric having a reflectivity of at least 50% and defining an inner volume having a first portion for receiving at least a fomite having the size of a wheel chair to be disinfected and a second portion, wherein the second portion comprises an opening comprising at least an extra weight coupled to the envelope proximate its perimeter; and a UV source for being received in said volume second portion, wherein the UV source comprises an annular depression for receiving said extra weight.
 2. The unit as recited in claim 1, wherein said fabric has a reflectivity of at least 70%.
 3. The unit as recited in claim 1, wherein said fabric has a reflectivity of at least 75%.
 4. The unit as recited in claim 1, wherein said fabric has a reflectivity of at least 95%.
 5. The unit as recited in claim 1, wherein the envelope comprises an opening for receiving the object to be disinfected there-through.
 6. The unit as recited in claim 1, wherein the fabric is an aluminized fabric.
 7. The unit as recited in claim 1, wherein the envelope is drapeable.
 8. The unit as recited in claim 1, wherein said envelope is disposable.
 9. The unit as recited in claim 1, wherein the envelope has a thickness of 3 mils or less.
 10. The unit as recited in claim 1, wherein the envelope is removably supported by the frame.
 11. A UV containment envelope, said envelope being flexible and collapsible and having an inner surface defining an inner volume comprising a first portion for receiving at least a fomite having the size of a wheel chair to be disinfected, said inner surface formed from a fabric having a reflectivity of at least 50% and a second portion for receiving a UV source, wherein the second portion comprises an opening comprising at least an extra weight coupled to the envelope proximate its perimeter configured for being received in an annular depression of a UV source.
 12. The envelope as recited in claim 11, wherein said fabric has a reflectivity of at least 70%.
 13. The unit as recited in claim 11, wherein said fabric has a reflectivity of at least 75%.
 14. The envelope as recited in claim 11, wherein said fabric has a reflectivity of at least 96%.
 15. The envelope as recited in claim 11, further comprising an opening for receiving said equipment therethrough.
 16. The envelope as recited in claim 11, wherein said envelope is drapeable.
 17. The envelope as recited in claim 11, wherein the fabric is an aluminized fabric.
 18. The envelope as recited in claim 11, wherein the envelope has a thickness of 3 mils or less. 